Ligue 1 specialist Jonathan Johnson has delivered his verdict on the struggles of Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta at West Ham United.
West Ham signed Lucas Paqueta from Ligue 1 side Lyon in the summer transfer window for a club record £51 million fee (The Times).
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The Hammers agreed to pay the 25-year-old midfielder £130k-a-week on a five-year contract as well (Salary Sport).
However, things haven’t quite gone to plan for the 40-capped Brazil international at the London Stadium so far this season.
There are question marks as to whether West Ham manager David Moyes knows and understands Paqueta’s best position on the pitch.
However, it must be said that the ex-Lyon star quite simply needs to do a lot more. He dawdles on the the ball for far too long and the weight of his passing is suspect to put it kindly.
Someone who knows Paqueta very well has opened up on his total lack of surprise that the South American is struggling to make much of an impact with the Hammers…
Ligue 1 expert delivers Lucas Paqueta verdict
Jonathan Johnson has outlined why he always thought that Paqueta was a strange signing for West Ham, when speaking exclusively to Caught Offside:
“We saw two big talents from Ligue 1 move to West Ham, as Lucas Paqueta made the move from Lyon and Nayef Aguerd joined from Rennes. It’s disappointing to see that they’re now struggling to reproduce their best form in the Premier League. Equally, however, if you were to ask me if I was surprised to see Paqueta flopping at West Ham, I’d have to say I’m not entirely shocked. I was more surprised by Aguerd, who is a really solid defender, but with him I think you have to factor in that he had a very bad injury quite early on in his West Ham career. It’s also worth noting that it’s not generally been a great year for West Ham. I think Aguerd was an astute signing, a good fit, but Paqueta was always going to be a gamble.”
Johnson then went on to say how Paqueta’s time with Lyon should have been a warning for West Ham:
“Before he moved to West Ham, we heard of interest from clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City, and there’s a reason Paqueta has had admirers like that before. Technically he’s phenomenal, he’s a fine player on his day, but consistency has always been a big question-mark. In the Premier League you always have to be at your best, but Paqueta, throughout his career, has never been that kind of player. In Europe he’s had some sublime moments and eye-catching performances, but also games where he barely even registers, so I’m less surprised by his struggles at West Ham.”
I think Johnson has done Aguerd a bit of a disservice there. Despite a poor couple of games recently, he has been very good for West Ham overall.
However, the Ligue 1 expert’s take on Lucas Paqueta is absolutely spot on.
The Brazil international hasn’t been anywhere near consistent enough for the Hammers this season. He needs to get up to speed, and fast, if he is to succeed in a West Ham shirt.
I’m still holding out hope that Paqueta will become a star in East London. There are certainly things that he needs to improve if that is to happen though.
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